Cognitive Effects of Technology Over Four Years of College

• In Event: 33.079 - Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: 33.079-18 - Virtual Realities: Media and Technology in Campus Learning Environments

Abstract

This study explored the effect of technology use on cognitive outcomes over four years of college. Net of a battery of potential confounding influences, students' use of email to communicate with an instructor, and electronic medium use were positively associated with gains in their Need for Cognition. The effect of these technologies on students' Attitudes Toward Literacy was positive, but it was moderated by respondents' race and sex. Lastly, use of either of these technologies failed to have more than a chance influence on the development of students' critical thinking skills.

Authors

• Chad Loes, Mount Mercy University

• Kem Saichaie, University of California, Davis